"Reunion: Life After Death"

By: Kelly K.

Edited by: Victoria S.

Life here on earth is temporary. Most humans take it for granted and never stop to think that one day, maybe they'll be the person being talked about on the news, or being read about in the newspaper. That's exactly what happened to my family. There was never a thought in my mind that my husband would be the one to go. No one ever thinks that a thing like that could happen to 'them.' I thought the same thing. But it did happen. It happened to me and my daughter both.

Brent was my one true love. He was my high school sweetheart. We had everything going for us. We were voted "cutest couple," and "most likley to be married" our senior year, and we even won the position of prom king and queen. We had dated all throughout high school, became engaged during our the last semester, of our last year, and finally, took the final step and said "I do," right after we both turned 18. That same year we had our daughter, Katie, who is now six years old, and is the only piece of Brent that I have left. Brent and I both went to college together, and got our BA's in Teaching. That same year, on his way home from work, Brent was involved in what you would call a freak accident. A drunk driver, plowed right into him head on, killing him instantly. The thing that still gets me the most is that the other driver walked away from the crime scene unharmed. He didn't even receive a single bruise. It's like God was trying to send earth the message that drinking and driving is good. It didn't make sense, and I still don't understand it. That fateful night, I had lost my world, my partner, and most importantly, the best friend ever known to man kind.

It took me a full year to recover from it, and realize that life does go on. Just because you lose someone that means so much to you, doesn't mean that time will stop. Although your loved one is not standing right beside you through thick and thin, it doesn't mean that they aren't still in your hearts. I had to move on and support Katie, and I think considering the circumstances I am doing quite well. I was offered a teaching position, at my daughters school, Washington Elementary, and immedietly took it. Being that it was located in Orlando, Florida, and was not too far away from our house, it made it perfect for when we were running late in the morning. And thus, my story, and new struggle with life begins...

"Katie," I shouted at the top of my lungs. "Honey, we need to get to school early. Mommy has a meeting with the principal."

"What mom?" Katie said over the loud music. She had this like for Backstreet Boys, N Sync, and all those boybands. I was surprised that she liked them at such a young age. I walked into her room and turned the music off.

"I need to go now honey," I said in a soft tone. "Grab your bag and your lunch and let's get going."

We walked hand in hand out the door to our old beat up 1990 Honda Civic. Sure, it's not too old of a model, but Brent and I really used this car to the max. We climbed in and I turned the radio on. Katie instantly turned it to 97.1, her favorite radio station.

"Washington Elementary school was the winner. I can't believe they get a performance by the Backstreet Boys," said one of the DJ's.

"WHAT???" Katie said excitingly. "Mom, they are coming to our school. Maybe it will all work out, since we didn't get tickets to go to the concert."

"Maybe," I said as we pulled into the parking lot. Katie and I hopped out of the car and went to the front office. We found out Katie's room number and my room number, and we started walking out the door when Katie turned around to ask the secretary a question.

"Excuse me, but are the Backstreet Boys really coming here?" Katie said hoping that the radio station wasn't lying to her. The lady nodded her head yes, and told Katie that they were coming later this week. Katie ran out the door to her class, leaving me in the dust.

I walked into my classroom, set my briefcase down, and began introducing myself to my 6th graders.

"Hi guys." I said nervously. "My name is Kelly Strover, but you all can call me Mrs. Strover. I am twenty four years old and I have a daughter named Katie, who is in the first grade. I was married for five years, but last year my husband was killed in a automobile accident. I don't have much free time to do all the fun things anymore, but I love to sing, dance, read, and especially grade tests."

The class roared in laughter. I turned around and to my surprise, five attractive guys were standing behind me. It was the ever famous Backstreet Boys. I stood in disbelief, as the young girls began to get out of their seats.

"Girls," I shouted. "Sit back down."

They took their seats and I continued, "Let's see what these guys want." I turned around and asked, "Hi...What can I do for you guys?"

A short guy, around five feet eight inches, with light brown hair and dreamy eyes, starred at me.

Brian spoke up, "Kelly, is that you?"

I hesitated, then nodded in arguement, and he came and gave me a big bear hug. Brian and I were pals back in our high school days. Him and his girlfriend at the time, Samantha, were mine and Brent's friends. We would hang out on the weekends when Brian was in town.

He whispered into my ear, "I am so sorry about Brent. Is there anything I can do?"

"I am fine Brian, but thanks for asking," I said, almost teary eyed.

I turned to the class and introduced the guys. "This is Brian, Kevin, Howie, AJ and Nick."

One of the girl's stood up and yelled, "Duh Mrs. Strover, we know who they are."

"Sorry," I said. "I guess I am not used to them being so famous."

"Mrs. Strover and I were friends back in the day," Brian began. "She is the sweetest person I know."

"And Brian is the biggest kiss up I know," I smiled and then began laughing.

The guys began their speech and explained to the class a game they wanted to do. "Hey Kel," Brian said, "Uh, Mrs. Strover, come join us."

I shook my head no, but I guess that wasn't enough. Kevin came over and grabbed my arm. He dragged me over to the circle and I was forced to play. They divided the class into six groups of six people. We formed a circle, and began making knots with our arms. We crossed them over, so it would be a challenge to get out of it. The object was to get out in a perfect circle. I was stuck with the boys and we were doing good, until Kevin and I were twisted in this odd way. I climbed over Kevin's arm, and tripped. I fell right on top of him. We began to laugh and Brian commented, "That's what you get for not wanting to play."

I gave Brian a playful punch on the arm and of course, he pretended that I hurt him. It was funny to see that Brian and I were still good friends. After all, it took him three years to actually see me again. He called once and awhile, but around the time Brent died, we lost touch. I never told Katie that I knew the Backstreet Boys. I guess I just played it off. To me, they were regular guys.

The bell rang for recess and I walked with the guys out to the play ground.

"Kel," Brian began, "are you and Katie coming to our concert tomorrow night?"

"No," I said. "I tried to get tickets, but they sold out."

"Well I guess you are now coming," Brian said handing me 2 tickets with backstage passes.

"Brian, I can't take these," I said handing them back to him.

"Kelly, you are taking them and you and Katie will come and have a great time." Brian said with a smile on his face.

I gave him a hug and we said our good byes. The guys walked back inside, and I made my way back to my classroom. I sat down at my desk, starred at the tickets, and started crying. I couldn't stop thinking about Brent. All the time I was talking with Brian, Brent popped in my mind. I put the tickets down, grabbed a book, and began reading.

"Reunion: Life After Death"

By Kelly K.

Edited By Victoria S.

The bell for lunch rang, and I made my way to the teacher's lounge. I bought a soda, and sat down to eat my sandwich. To my surprise, Katie came running in.

"Mom," she said enthusiastically. "I just met the Backstreet Boys. They came in my class and played a game with us and I talked to Brian and I am so glad I get to see them perform and they are..."

"KATIE," I said rather loudly. "Take a breather why don't ya. I have something to tell you."

She sat down and I continued, "I never told you this, but your father and I used to hang around with Brian Littrell. He was one of our dear friends back in our high school days and he gave me tickets and backstage passes to the concert tomorrow night."

Katie jumped out of her seat and gave me a huge hug. "Mom, I love you so much. I don't care that you never told me. I am just happy that I get to go to the concert."

She smiled, gave me another hug, and ran out the door to where her friends were seated.

I don't know if that came out the right way, but at least I told her. I remember the day Katie was born. Samantha brought this cute little stuffed bear. Katie and Growl, the name she gave it, were attached. Until that one day when Brent accidentally threw it in the washer. Katie was devastated for weeks after that. Brent then bought her a new bear, Lilly, which she keeps by her side all the time.

One of my colleagues tapped me on the shoulder. I jumped out of my seat, turned around real fast and then said, "Oh my gosh. You scared me."

We both started laughing. Her name was Emily Young. She was an average girl with blonde hair that rested on her shoulders and big blue eyes. She was a kindergarten teacher and we met last year when Katie was in her class. Since that day, we have been friends.

"What are you doing in here all alone?" she asked.

"I was just sitting here thinking..."

"About Brent again, huh?" She said, almost like she was reading my mind.

I shook my head yes and she just looked at me. "Kelly, you know that you can't keep reflecting on what you had in the past. Brent is gone to a better place and you know that he would want you to live the rest of your life in happiness. I am not telling you to shut out those memories, but don't think about them every single time you have a free minute."

I knew she was right. I have been focusing on what my life was and not what it is. I gave her a big hug and thanked her.

"Now," Emily continued, "we are gonna get you a man."

I laughed. "I am pretty happy being single, thank you very much."

"Ok, if you won't take a man, then how about me and you go clubbing tonight?" She said persistently.

"Emily," I said with a surprised look on my face. "Clubbing is not my style anymore. I probably forgot to dance."

"You are coming." She demanded. "I will pick you up around 8 and don't worry about Katie, I will have my mom watch her for you."

She smiled. Then walked away.

Katie turned around and screamed. I looked at Katie and began giving her the "he is a normal person" speech.

"Honey, Brian is a normal person, just like you and me..."

"No, he is not," Katie interrupted. "If he was normal, he wouldn't be in a group called the Backstreet Boys." She walked over to him and asked for an autograph. Brian laughed.

"Katie," he began, "as your mom said, I am a normal guy. As for that autograph, you can have more then that."

Brian went up to her and gave her his famous bear hugs. We walked inside and Katie threw her backpack on the ground.

"So Brian," I said, trying to break the ice. "You wanna go out tonight with me and the guys?" He asked.

I was surprised he asked that right away. I wasn't too happy with the way Brian kept making it that he was never gone and that our friendship is still so strong. I was fed up.

"Brian," I said angrily, "don't get me wrong, cuz I love seeing you, but I don't understand why you are acting like we have been friends all this time, but really, you neglected to call, come and see us, etc...."

"Excuse me Kelly," he said, somewhat taken back. "I am not pretending that we didn't have three years in between us, but I was hoping that we could still be friends. I am sorry if I have a demanding job and I can't come visit you all the time or call you or anything that I want to do. I thought you would be the most understanding of them all, but I guess I was wrong."

He got up quickly, walked to the door, opened it, and slammed it hard. Katie looked at me in disbelief, and then ran upstairs. What did I do? I can't believe I said that to him. What is coming over me? My eyes became teary eyed, but I was trying to hold it in. I got up and grabbed a picture of Brent, myself, Sam, and Brian. I can't believe I just let the best friend I have ever had walk out of my life, permanently.

Back to Story Index

Back to Index Page